Vance Francis

Vance Francis of Salado passed away May 13, 2011. Vance Francis was born in Dallas April, 28, 1918 to Lorena Vance and Samuel T. Francis. He spent most of his life in Texas.

He graduated from Sunset High School in 1935 and worked odd jobs until 1939 when he went to work at Sears Roebuck “Dallas” as a large order packer. He met Wanda DeLee May who was a small order packer at Sears. They dated a few months and were married June 21, 1940. They had one son, Larry Vance.

Vance worked a short time at North America Aviation Plant, Grand Prairie, TX as a plant guard. In 1944, he volunteered for the U. S. Army Air Corp. He was inducted in April, 1944 and was discharged October 30, 1945. At the time of discharge he was awaiting entrance into pre-flight training. December 1945, he became an outside Automotive Parts Salesman and for the next 50 years he was in the replacement parts business. In November 1973, he and his wife bought Big 3 Auto Supply in Temple, TX. Later they acquired a supply house in Belton and one in Brownwood, TX. They sold these businesses in 1995. In 1998 he moved to Salado following the death of his wife, Wanda, of 58 years.

Vance is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Salado, a 50 year Master Mason, a member of the Dallas Scottish Rite and Karem Shrine and Rotary Club of Salado.

He is survived by his son Larry and wife Shirley (Mickye), three grandsons, Philip Vance and wife Nancy, Chad Scott and wife Kelly and Tod Wayne. He has seven great grandchildren: Reagan Scott, Meredith Jill, Emily Erin, Walker Vance, Cole Landry, Taylor Christine and Nicole Renee.

Vance has requested memorials be sent to the Building Fund % Presbyterian Church, 105 Salado Plaza Dr., Salado, TX. 76571.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, at the Presbyterian Church of Salado with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service.